Employers in Arua City who sexually harass their employees may face six months of imprisonment under the proposed Arua City Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ordinance 2023. This ordinance, developed with support from the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network, aims to address GBV at homes, workplaces, schools, institutions of learning, marketplaces, and social gatherings.
The draft ordinance, which has been presented for its first reading before the Arua City Council, mandates a six-month jail term for any employer or person in a position of responsibility found guilty of sexually harassing an employee. The ordinance explicitly states, “An employer who sexually harasses an employee commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for six months,” as outlined in Section 13.
Henry Odama, the Arua City Senior Legal Officer, highlighted that the ordinance also requires every institution within the city to implement and display a safeguarding policy, ensuring it is accessible to all staff members. Additionally, the ordinance imposes a fine of up to two currency points for individuals who conceal acts of GBV or related information.
Gender experts have identified various forms of workplace sexual harassment, including unwanted sexual attention, unwelcome physical touch, sexual remarks about a person’s body or clothing, sexual questions or jokes, sexual assault, and career threats for refusing sexual favors.
David Kyasanku, the Arua City Clerk, expressed support for the proposed ordinance, emphasizing the city’s commitment to eliminating GBV. He urged stakeholders to embrace and support the ordinance once approved.
The ordinance also stipulates that the consent or forgiveness of a GBV survivor shall not serve as a defense in GBV prosecutions. It further proposes the establishment of a GBV shelter within the city, managed by the council.
Jimmy Anguyo, the West Nile Region Police GBV Focal Person, believes the ordinance will significantly address GBV cases not only in Arua City but throughout the West Nile sub-region.
However, Arua City Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua called for increased support for men and boys in the fight against GBV, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of all genders.
Statistics from the police indicate that Arua City recorded 418 domestic violence cases, 112 defilement cases, three indecent assault cases, and 10 rape cases last year.
Section 39 of the Local Government Act, CAP 243, empowers urban authorities to make laws consistent with the Constitution or any other laws made by Parliament.
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Arua City to Enforce Six-Month Imprisonment for Workplace Sexual Harassment
